Swimming Pool Alterations
Background
All swimming pool designs and alterations under the scope of this chapter shall be submitted to the department for review and approval. This document was developed in conjunction with Chapter SPS 390 Appendix, A-390.03(26)
Intent
The goal is to protect public health of pool patrons from the constructed environment.
Applicable Rules
SPS 390.02(1) This chapter applies to the design, construction, reconstruction and alteration of all public swimming pools, water attractions and associated slides. SPS 390.03(26) “Reconstructed or altered pool” means a pool construction project where replacement of or modification to the pool shell, circulation system and appurtenances occur. It does not include the replacement of equipment or piping previously approved by the department, provided that the type and size of equipment are not changed, nor does it include normal maintenance or repair. SPS 390.04(1)(a) Plan review and approval is required from the department prior to the start of construction in accordance with this section.
Notification
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is cc’d as part of the plan approval process. Email DATCPDFRSREC@wisconsin.gov.
Documentation
A conditional approval of a plan by the department shall not be construed as an assumption by the department of any responsibility for the design. DSPS does not hold itself liable for any defects in construction or for any damages that may result from the specific installation.
Fees
SPS 302.04(1) Unless specified otherwise in this chapter, the fee for department costs incurred in performing miscellaneous plan reviews shall be $80.00 per hour per plan, with a minimum fee of $80.00 per plan.
SPS 302.04(2) Specifies the fees for department costs incurred in performing miscellaneous inspections or investigations, including special inspections for alterations, fabrication, repairs, testing, electrical construction and quality assurance methods, which are either provided on request or to satisfy administrative code requirements, shall be determined and assessed in accordance with Table 302.04.
Applicable Policy
The following table lists situations where an alteration or reconstruction exists, and state level plan review is required for an existing swimming pool per SPS 390.02(1) where pervious department approval is not documented.
Actions that require plan review:
Situation | Yes | No | |
A | Replace pool filter - like for like*. |
| X |
B | Replace pool pump - like for like*. |
| X |
C | Replace pool water heater or exchanger. |
| X |
D1 | Install or replace single wall heat exchanger. | X |
|
D2 | Replace chemical controller. |
| X |
D3 | Replace chemical pump. |
| X |
D4 | Replace chemical system (liquid chlorine to chlorine erosion). |
| X |
D5 | Replace chemical system (chlorine erosion to liquid chlorine). | X |
|
D6 | Replace chemical system (bromine erosion to chlorine erosion, or liquid chlorine). | X |
|
D7 | Replace chemical system (liquid chlorine or erosion to booster pump erosion). | X |
|
D8 | Replace chemical system (erosion feeder to booster pump feeder). | X |
|
D9 | Replace chemical system (replacing booster pump erosion feeder with same). |
| X |
D10 | Installing a NFS 50 side stream supplemental disinfection system**. |
| X |
E1 | Replace sections of deck >25% of total area. | X |
|
E2 | Resurface pool deck. | X |
|
F1 | Paint and/or refinish a pool basin. |
| X |
F2 | Replace main drain grates (like for like*). |
| X |
F3 | Replace main drain sumps. | X |
|
F4 | Replace grate used exclusively for pool maintenance (not connected to pool circulation system). Grate to be VGBA compliant. |
| X |
F5 | Replace pool stairs. | X |
|
F6 | Refinish pool stairs. |
| X |
G | Replace > 20 feet pool fence. | X |
|
H1 | Install pool chair lift (permanent) using water as energy source. | X |
|
H2 | Install electrified pool chair lift (permanent) with 3 feet of clearance on deck |
| X |
J1 | Install pool slide. | X |
|
J2 | Install pool activity – example climb wall | X |
|
J3 | Install pool activity – example 1 basketball hoop |
| X |
K1 | Replace handrails. |
| X |
K2 | Replace pool ladder. |
| X |
L1 | Replace pool piping in equipment room (>10 feet). | X |
|
HI2 | Replacing recirculation/return piping (>10 feet). | X |
|
L3 | Repair piping, fittings, controls, meters, or gauges. |
| X |
L4 | Installing a SVRS system. |
| X |
M | Installation of electrical bonding. |
| X |
N | Deck alterations that include obstructions. | X |
|
O1 | Replacement of a pool liner. |
| X |
O2 | Repairing an existing pool by installing or utilizing a liner. | X |
|
P1 | Installing a new tethered floatable (including inflatable) in an existing swimming pool. | X |
|
P2 | Replacing a tethered floatable in the same location. Identical manufacturer, dimension, shape, and material. |
| X |
Notes:
* “Like for like” means an equivalence to equipment previously approved by DSPS.
**Maintaining original code compliant disinfection system.
Department Tracking
DSPS reserves the right to amend/revise this document as conditions arise making them necessary for code compliance and/or to protect public health and the waters of the state.